Overview
EN ISO 17659:2004 (ISO 17659:2002) is a CEN/ISO welding standard that provides multilingual terms and pictorial illustrations for welded joints, joint preparation and welds. The standard links clear sketches to equivalent terms in English, French and German to eliminate ambiguity when specifying welded joint types across languages. Figures are illustrative sketches of typical joint features and the document can be used on its own or together with other drawing and welding standards.
Key topics and requirements
- Multilingual welding terminology: Presents equivalent terms in English and French (the official ISO languages) and German (published under DIN responsibility), supporting unambiguous communication of welding vocabulary.
- Types of joints: Illustrations and terms for the most common joint configurations used in welding.
- Joint preparation and geometry: Typical edge preparations, bevels and geometries used to achieve required weld access and penetration.
- Fusion welds and welds made using pressure: Visual examples and terminology for different welding processes and weld forms.
- Fillet weld throat thicknesses: Identification of throat definitions and related terminology (illustrated, not prescriptive dimensions).
- Examples and comparisons: Worked examples of fusion welds with different joints and an informative annex comparing terminology used in the USA.
- Practical limits: Notes that figures are sketches to illustrate characteristic features and are not substitutes for technical drawings produced in accordance with drawing standards (e.g., ISO 2553).
Applications and users
EN ISO 17659 is practical for anyone who needs consistent, cross‑language welding terminology:
- Welding designers and mechanical engineers specifying welded joints on drawings
- Welding inspectors and quality assurance personnel verifying joint types and weld descriptions
- Technical authors, translators and standards committees preparing multilingual documentation
- Training organizations teaching welding terminology and joint preparations
- Procurement and manufacturing teams coordinating international fabrication work
Using this standard helps reduce misinterpretation of weld terminology, supports clearer specifications, and improves communication in international welding projects.
Related standards
- ISO 2553 - symbolic representation on drawings (referenced for technical drawing practice)
- EN 12345 - earlier European standard superseded by EN ISO 17659
- EU Directive relationship - this standard was prepared under CEN mandate and supports relevant New Approach directives
Keywords: EN ISO 17659, ISO 17659, welding standard, multilingual welding terms, welded joints, joint preparation, weld illustrations, weld terminology.